When VVMF built The Wall in 1982, it had an important mission: To honor Vietnam Veterans and heal the wounds of a nation. Three decades later, the mission continues as we raise funds to build the Education Center at The Wall. The Education Center will educate future generations and honor America's Legacy of Service, including those serving in our nation's Armed Forces today.

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Hometown Hero

Posted on 6/29/15 - by M. Jackson

I was at the wall today, saw your name etched into eternity. Thank You for your sacrifice. Never met you personally but I finished High School with your son Kerry, we played football together at Newton High, you'd be proud he represented you well and he looks just like you. R.I.P. See you on the Green.

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Remembering An American Hero

Posted on 10/27/13 - by Curt Carter ccarter02@earthlink.net

Dear 2LT Charles Jerry Gaines, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

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My Father My Hero

Posted on 8/1/13 - by Korby Gaines Mann

My how the years have passed. I'm almost twice your age when you gave your life for your country. You are truly missed by me and my brothers. I wish you could have met all your grandchildren and now you have a beautiful great-grand daughter and another one on the way. You are thought of often and missed dearly. I can't wait for us to see each other again one day. I love you daddy...

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I am honored to have you in my family

Posted on 4/7/09

My daughter, Kali is the great grand daughter of your sister, Annie Gaines Ledlow. We hear all the stories and you are alive within us. Thank you for being so brave and serving your country. We think of you always. And, look forward to seeing you soon on the other side.

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some thoughts

Posted on 11/20/06 - by phuong nguyen oh_geez_itz_phuong@yahoo.com

As I think about how young you were when you gave up your life, I am saddened. You were just a few years older, than I am now. The life that lay ahead of you filled with family, friends, joy, and laughter, can never be replaced. For this ultimate sacrifice I remember you. Sincerely,phuong nguyen

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Thank you Lieutenant Gaines

Posted on 11/20/03 - by Donald Lytle afarmersboy@yahoo.com

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Charles Jerry Gaines, for your courageous and valiant service, your years of faithfully contributing, and your most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Sir, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you Lieutenant Charles Jerry Gaines, for a job well done!

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We will remember you

Posted on 8/2/00 - by Vietnam Vets of Second Battalion, First Marines

Your brothers of Second Battalion, First Marines honor your service and your supreme sacrifice. You are one of our heroes. Your comrades of 2/1 hold you in their hearts and minds forever. Take your warrior's rest for a duty well done. Semper Fi, Marine!

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My Marine Hero

Posted on 6/4/00 - by Ronnie Gaines

I remember when you used to visit and wore your uniform. I thought that one day I would become a Marine like you. This was not to be though as I joined the Navy instead. On the day you were killed I was in Danang harbor and did not find out until sometime later that you had gave your ultimate. I miss you my Cousin, my Brother and I will always remember you and how much I admired you.

The Wall of Faces

Brought to you by the organization that built The Wall, the Vietnam Veterans Virtual Memorial Wall is dedicated to honoring, remembering and sharing the legacies of all those who died in the Vietnam War. Here you can go beyond the names on The Wall to see the faces, share the stories and read the remembrances posted by friends, neighbors, classmates and family members.

All of these photos will be showcased in The Education Center at The Wall on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. To learn more about the effort to collect these photos and ensure their faces will never be forgotten, visit www.buildthecenter.org.